Lewis Hamilton says he is aiming to become a vegan in an attempt to pursue the healthiest possible lifestyle and avoid damaging the planet.

The Mercedes Formula 1 driver said he had been inspired by a documentary about the meat industry, and its potential effects on the environment, animal welfare and human health.

Britain's Hamilton, who qualified fifth for Sunday's Singapore Grand Prix, has not eaten chicken for much of this year.

"I stopped eating red meat two years ago," said the championship leader. "I have generally been pescatarian for the majority of the year and now I've cut fish.

"As the human race, what we are doing to the world... the pollution [in terms of emissions of global-warming gases] coming from the amount of cows that are being produced is incredible.

"They say it is more than what we produce with our flights and our cars, which is kind of crazy to think. The cruelty is horrible and I don't necessarily want to support that and I want to live a healthier life."